Tuesday, November 18, 2008

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

I grew up in the area of this cemetery and can remember feeling it was a very erie place. We drove past it many times, the side of it is on a main street. During my younger years, it seemed very dark and dreary, although I am sure just knowing it was a cemetery had a lot to do with that feeling.

I have passed this cemetery a few times during my adult years, the weeds were so very overgrown and the place was a mess. I had heard that kids used to party in the cemetery. As bad as the weeds were the last time I was by and the fact that the cemetery was now fenced in, led me to believe it had be awhile since there had been any parties on this property.

I had never actually walked through the cemetery before, so on the day I chose to visit I was a little apprehensive as to what I may find. I did find a big rot iron fence around the cemetery, and in order to get into the cemetery you had to go across the street to get the key. It just so happened that tree trimmers were in the cemetery trimming trees and the gate was open. I read the signs, here is the first:

It says:

COUNTY OF ALAMEDASAN LORENZO PIONEER MEMORIAL PARKTHIS MEMORIAL PARK WAS DEDICATED BYTHE ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSON MARCH 24,1964 AS A MEMORIAL HONORINGTHOSE EARLY PIONEERS OF RANCHO SAN LORENZONOW KNOWN AS ASHLAND CASTRO VALLEYHAYWARD MT EDEN AND SAN LORENZO

THESE CITIZENS BURIED HERE BETWEENTHE YEARS OF 1852 AND 1951 WERE AMONGTHE FIRST SETTLERS AND FOUNDERS OFTHE AREA WHOSE EARLY FORESIGHT ANDPLANNING BEGAN THE DEVELOPMENT OFTRANSFORMING MILES OF RURAL ACREAGEINTO A MODERN COMMUNITY OF MANYTHOUSANDS

The second sign was very appropriate for what I saw. The cemetery had been worked on and was getting cleaned up! What a difference since I had seen it last.

The Hayward Area Historical Society was playing a part in the renovation of the cemetery. They offer tours, information and a phone number for anyone who cares to be a part of the historic renovation.

As the gates were open this day, I asked if it was ok to view the cemetery, I was told sure. Next time I post on this cemetery, I will share with you my tour.

2 comments:

The cemetery is now under control of the County, so its basically volunteer only. I have volunteered there for years now. I bring as many fake flowers as I can to make it look alittle more loved and inviting. I wish more people would visit. Its a great place if you can get past what it looks like it might be. Lots of history. I get all kinds of strange comments when Im inside working. lol. like how did you get in there, can you get out.... why are you in there ..lol.

In Loving Remembrance

Header courtesy of Deez. Thank you!

Subscribe To

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRAVEYARD RABBITS is...

"An association dedicated to the academic promotion of the historical importance of cemeteries, grave markers, and the family history to be learned from a study of burial customs, burying grounds, and tombstones; and the social promotion of the study of cemeteries, the preservation of cemeteries, and the transcription of genealogical/historical information written in cemeteries."

To see this statement, other Graveyard Rabbit locations and blogs, or for more information regarding the Graveyard Rabbits, please use this link-